Guide
5 Things To Check When Buying A Secondhand Bike
After you’ve passed your CBT or have your Full Motorcycle Licence, comes the fun bit… buying your first motorcycle. We know buying a second-hand motorcycle can seem a daunting task if you’re new to the world of motorcycles. That's why we’ve enlisted the help of RideTo who have put together this simple list of things to consider when going to see a bike for the first time.
Words by: James RideTo
Published on 30 March 2022 | 0 min read
Buying a motorcycle is very exciting but can also be a daunting process. Once you’ve found your dream used motorbike on Auto Trader, you will probably want to book an appointment to go and see the bike in the flesh. RideTo have created these helpful tips for things to look out for when you are buying a second hand motorcycle.
1. The Bike's Condition
It might seem like an obvious one, but the very first thing you should do when looking at buying a second-hand motorcycle is have a good look at the general appearance of the bike. You should quickly be able to see on the advert pictures how well the bike has been looked after. If you think the bike looks neglected or generally in bad shape then this may not be the one for you.
When you go and see the bike, take a look around the floor where the bike is, are there any patches of oil or other liquids? This could indicate something isn't quite right. Is the engine warm? If so the owner could be trying to cover a cold start issue so it's definitely worth questioning. Make sure everything moves freely. Push the bike a few yards and listen to see if anything is rubbing or binding. It would also be worth checking all the lights and horn to ensure they're in good working order. Depending on the bike, there may be some age-related marks which are to be expected but if there are any signs of heavy rust, dents or damage to the bike then you should consider walking away.
When you go and see the bike, take a look around the floor where the bike is, are there any patches of oil or other liquids? This could indicate something isn't quite right. Is the engine warm? If so the owner could be trying to cover a cold start issue so it's definitely worth questioning. Make sure everything moves freely. Push the bike a few yards and listen to see if anything is rubbing or binding. It would also be worth checking all the lights and horn to ensure they're in good working order. Depending on the bike, there may be some age-related marks which are to be expected but if there are any signs of heavy rust, dents or damage to the bike then you should consider walking away.
2. Running Condition
You should’ve got a detailed description of the running condition of the bike on the Auto Trader Bikes advert.
When you go to view the bike, ensure you see/hear the bike running. If possible, ask the seller not to start it beforehand so you can see how cold starts. A bike in good condition should start up on the button the first time and should not cough or splutter to life. Take a minute to listen to the engine. Is everything running as expected? If you hear any knocking or anything untoward or unusual then you should question this with the seller. Take a look at the tyres, are there any cracks, tears or generally any damage? Ask how many miles the bike has covered on the current tyres. Remember the legal requirement for tyre depth is 1mm around the whole circumference. Ask the seller if they will let you take the bike for a test ride. Not everyone will be ok with this but it's always worth asking. They may want proof of insurance before allowing you to ride the bike.
When you go to view the bike, ensure you see/hear the bike running. If possible, ask the seller not to start it beforehand so you can see how cold starts. A bike in good condition should start up on the button the first time and should not cough or splutter to life. Take a minute to listen to the engine. Is everything running as expected? If you hear any knocking or anything untoward or unusual then you should question this with the seller. Take a look at the tyres, are there any cracks, tears or generally any damage? Ask how many miles the bike has covered on the current tyres. Remember the legal requirement for tyre depth is 1mm around the whole circumference. Ask the seller if they will let you take the bike for a test ride. Not everyone will be ok with this but it's always worth asking. They may want proof of insurance before allowing you to ride the bike.
3. Paperwork
When looking to purchase a bike there are a few vital pieces of paper you may want to check.
- V5C/Logbook
- Service History
- MOT certificate (if the bike is over three years old - or over 40 years old it does not need an MOT)
If the seller doesn't have these documents then it is probably not the best idea to go ahead with the purchase.
The V5C will tell you the owner's name and address, which you can check with them. It will also be able to show you how many owners the bike has had in the past. The service history will give you a great insight into how well the bike has been looked after. The seller should have receipts from any of the work they have had done to the bike along with how regularly the bike has been serviced and maintained. The MOT certificate should tell you if there were any ‘advisories’ on the last MOT test. These are issues on the bike that will need to be addressed.
The V5C will tell you the owner's name and address, which you can check with them. It will also be able to show you how many owners the bike has had in the past. The service history will give you a great insight into how well the bike has been looked after. The seller should have receipts from any of the work they have had done to the bike along with how regularly the bike has been serviced and maintained. The MOT certificate should tell you if there were any ‘advisories’ on the last MOT test. These are issues on the bike that will need to be addressed.
4. Background Check
To give you peace of mind, Auto Trader Bikes provide buyers with a vehicle check with a clear history on Auto Trader Bikes adverts.
There are 2 different types of checks; basic and full. These vehicle checks (in partnership with Experian) allow you to see the history of a bike you’re thinking of buying. A basic history check will tell you:
There are 2 different types of checks; basic and full. These vehicle checks (in partnership with Experian) allow you to see the history of a bike you’re thinking of buying. A basic history check will tell you:
- If the bike has been stolen
- If the bike has been scrapped
- If the bike has been written off by insurers
- If the bike has been imported
- If the bike has been exported
Some bikes on Auto Trader contain a full history check, this will tell you:
- If the bike has been stolen
- If the bike has been scrapped
- If the bike has been written off for insurance purposes
- If the bike has been imported
- If the bike has been exported
- If there is any third-party interest in the bike
- If the bike has any mileage discrepancies
- If the bike has changed colour
- If there is any outstanding finance on the bike
- If there have been any plate changes
Read more about free bike checks on Auto Trader Bikes here.
5. Add Ons/ Accessories/ Modifications
It can be easy to get sucked into a list of modifications and think they're adding value to the bike but you should be wary about what they may be covering up. A strategically placed sticker could be covering up a crack or a split in the fairing. Those exhaust wraps could be covering up a completely rotten exhaust system.
If the bike has an aftermarket exhaust system then it may be worth a second glance. There are plenty of systems being sold across the country that are not road legal. It is illegal for a garage to sell a bike with ‘not suitable for road use’ stamped on it. Your bike will not pass its MOT test if it has this stamp on the exhausts. We always recommend asking the owner to run you through any none standards parts on the bike and if anything has been changed, ask if they still have the stock parts. If you know someone who is mechanically minded that would be willing to come with you that will always be a bonus and will help to take the pressure off. Remember to always trust your gut, if something seems off or doesn't feel right then it is probably best to walk away. There will always be something else around the corner. Good luck!
If the bike has an aftermarket exhaust system then it may be worth a second glance. There are plenty of systems being sold across the country that are not road legal. It is illegal for a garage to sell a bike with ‘not suitable for road use’ stamped on it. Your bike will not pass its MOT test if it has this stamp on the exhausts. We always recommend asking the owner to run you through any none standards parts on the bike and if anything has been changed, ask if they still have the stock parts. If you know someone who is mechanically minded that would be willing to come with you that will always be a bonus and will help to take the pressure off. Remember to always trust your gut, if something seems off or doesn't feel right then it is probably best to walk away. There will always be something else around the corner. Good luck!
